When and how to introduce new flock members

Wrangler got a buddy this weekend. We took in a rescue rainbow lory that is cute as a button and SUPER social. She/he? is not afraid of anything...she is very interested in the 85lb dog (walked right up to her and jumped on a paw) and Wrangler, but that doesn't mean it goes the other way. The dog I can manage, Wrangler is another issue.

I have some basic questions about when/how to introduce them, what signs to look for that signal trouble, cage/human boundaries, etc. Im still doing everything "Wrangler first"...first out of the cage when i get home, first to be fed, he still goes on the daily dog walk, runs errands with me, and sleeps with me. Im trying to keep his routine as normal as possible but I need to have time to spend with Malibu too...and as only-bird, Wrangler was used to having me 100%.

After a week, I can have them both out of the cage (or at least doors open) at the same time and Wrangler doesnt go on a seek and destroy mission. He knows that the new bird is part of his world and allows Malibu to exist without harassment....sort of. Obviously Im referree and I keep at least one of them either on me or within arms reach at all times to head off any trouble. Malibu wanting to meet Wrangler, Wrangler wanting to eat Malibu. Clearly they arent ready for interaction yet (if ever) but I would like to make sure that when the time comes I'm doing it properly. Im mostly concerned about Wrangler being aggressive, he's at least 3x as big and it's 440g vs 104g. Plus, Malibu has a bad foot and cannot perch, and is heavily clipped and cannot fly or flutter well so she has a significant disadvantage.

I have kept Wrangler off of Malibu's cage until now...he's on it as I type, Malibu is on my shoulder. This is a temporary cage for Malibu, it's the outside cage I use on the patio. Toys that W was never even remotely interested in, he's now thinking are the best ever simply because they are on Malibu's cage. Is it ok to allow them to explore each others cages (empty)? or best to keep clearly defined boundaries? Is it ok to allow them on each others cages when the other bird is in residence? Again, mostly worried about Malibu because of her size/handicap. Letting her get toes bitten would be catastrophic. Wrangler on the other hand, has little to fear from Malibus tiny beak.

Other than eye pinning, what are the signs of aggression that I should look for in Wrangler when he's out and around Malibu? There are times he totally ignores her, and then there are times where he looks like a hawk about to strike (which is when i promptly scoop up Malibu or grab Wranglers foot) Wrangler plays hard with toys...toss, growl, bite---it's the one time he'd bite me, if i got involved in his game. Is this the same behaviour i can expect him to have around Malibu? I know im weeks away from "introductions" ...they are just in the same room at the moment, but as W starts accepting the situation, I want to be prepared so that I can foster the best outcome. Ideally, at a minimum, I'd like to be able to have them out at the same time without having to play referee. A mutual ignore situation like Wrangler has with the dog right now...not a problem to have them in the same room and leave for a few minutes, they respect each others space. Best case would be that they can both be on my shoulder at the same time or in close proximity.



.....And before you go there...yes, i know about quarantine, Malibu was vetted and effectively in quarantine at the rescue (they have no other birds at the moment) and our place is small so there is no realistic way to isolate them to the degree that quarantine requires...so there wasn't much point in pretending to do it.


Thanks for your help and suggestions!

Janet, Wrangler, and Malibu

Good for you, for rescuing a bird in need, and for all the care and love you're showing your pets.
I'm scared to death of the dog issue, though. I just hear so many sad stories about cats and dogs that were trusted... until the moment they weren't. Would you please consider separating them and never leaving them alone? I have a dog (9 years old) and a bird (33 years old), and I never leave them unsupervised. Please just think about it.
As for the birds... I like your caution and vigilance.
Many here have found that they have to separate birds permanently... some have been fortunate and multiple birds get along.
You just never know! Never, ever.
Good for you for being so responsible and serious, and for reaching out!
I think that as long as you're willing to deal with whatever happens (e.g., separating them, if needed, handling added expenses, etc.), you sound like a great parront.
Let's see what the Eclectus and Lorikeet folks think...
Keep us posted, please.

Congratulations on your new flock member! Do you have an introductory thread with pics? If so, please post a link! I'd love to "meet" Sir/Lady Malibu!

Okay, on to your questions. Personally, given the size difference, it would be quite some time before was willing to trust the two of them unsupervised for even a handful of seconds. Things can just go sideways so very quickly. Only time would tell whether they could ever be trusted at all.

As for cage roaming, even with 2 similar sized ekkies I don't allow one to climb on a cage while the other is in it. Birds who have gotten along for years have been known to suddenly bite off their buddy's toe for climbing across the cage. It's just something I never risk.

I also discourage either of them going into the other's cage. This, however, is because I know that Maya doesn't know how to act, sometimes. Jolly would probably give her a friendly tour of his domain, while she would likely eat him for stepping foot in hers. So to keep things even, neither is allowed into the other's cage.

When you're ready to introduce them, I'd say keep Wrangler on a play stand or perch and Malibu on your hand (Malibu is the one you want in hand so you can quickly and easily cover him/her). Then slowly bring the two together until one or the other begins to look uncomfortable. At this point pull back slightly and hold until they become relaxed and calm, again. Wash, rinse and repeat, but always go at their pace. Don't rush it. Might take minutes, hours, days or even weeks.

Any overt aggression must be sternly and immediately addressed with a firm "No." Repeated infractions, or anything insane, should earn him a timeout. And on the flip side, positive interactions should be rewarded.